Configurable Hydronic Structural Panel

Abstract

In various example embodiments, a multi-layer building panel structure is described, comprising an interior and exterior panel layer, waterproof channel layers comprising adjacent parallel channels running from input and output manifolds fed by a remote fluid source. Each set of input and output manifolds may be configured to serve a zone of channels within the waterproof channel layers. Hot or cold fluid is pumped through the channel layers in order to heat or cool a space within a room of a building. The multi-layer building panel structure further provides structural support for a building and may be a wall, ceiling, or floor.

1 . A multi-layer building panel structure, comprising:
 an interior layer and an exterior layer;   one or more channel layers, disposed intermediate the interior layer and the exterior layer, comprising adjacent parallel waterproof channels divided into one or more zones;   one or more structural layers adjacent the channel layers;   a thermal insulation layer;   three or more waterproof manifolds in communication with the parallel waterproof channels;   wherein the three or more waterproof manifolds and waterproof channels are in communication with a remote fluid source; and   wherein each manifold is in communication with selected parallel serving the one or more zones.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more channel layers comprise one or more materials and composites of: polycarbonate; acrylic; plastic; polystyrene; polypropylene; PVC; ABS; fiberglass; resin; crystalline materials; amorphous materials; organic materials; and synthetic materials. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the remote fluid source is a liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 3 , wherein the liquid is at a temperature sufficient to heat a living area. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 3 , wherein the liquid is at a temperature sufficient to cool the living area. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more structural layers comprise integral structural members providing structural support for a building wherein the multi-layer building panel structure is placed. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein air is in one or more channels of the one or more channel layers to insulate the living area. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the channel layers of the one or more channel layers are coated with heat reflective material comprising one or more of foil; paint; metamaterials; fabric and metal coatings. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 3 , wherein the multi-layer building panel structure further comprises one or more pumps which pump the fluid into and out of the three or more manifolds and circulate the fluid throughout the waterproof channels within the one or more zones. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the structure further comprises a control system that increases the flow of fluid upon detection of a fire inside a room wherein the structure resides; wherein sensors alert the control system of the fire. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the sensors are integrated with the multi-layer building panel structure. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channels within the one or more channel layers comprise extrusions of one or more of the shapes of: hexagon; octagon; triangle; quadrilateral; pentagon; heptagon; nonagon; decagon; shapes that enhance fluid flow; and shapes that facilitate the manufacturing of the channels. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insulation layer comprises one or more materials of a foam board, aluminum foil, heat reflective material, and insulating material. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more structural layers reflect heat by one or more of the following methods: coated with a heat reflective material; is reflective itself; has a coating on it that is reflective; and a reflective film adhesively attached. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein one or more openings between two or more of the channel layers allow communication of fluid between the two or more adjacent channel layers. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the multi-layer building panel structure is an interior wall, exterior wall, floor, or ceiling. 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein one or more layers of the multi-layer building panel structure are coated with metamaterials comprising: glass-polymer hybrid materials with one or more properties of capturing heat; reflecting heat; shedding heat from the metamaterial; conducting heat; and transmitting heat. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of each layer of the multi-layer building panel structure is adhesively attached to another layer. 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structural layer comprises one or more materials and composites of: polycarbonate; acrylic; plastic; polystyrene; polypropylene; PVC; ABS; fiberglass; resin; crystalline materials; amorphous materials; organic materials; synthetic materials; steel; stainless steel; copper; aluminum; titanium; alloys and metal. 
     
     
         20 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the channel layers are coated with a fluid sealing composition.